The administrative framework of Chhattisgarh is currently under significant pressure due to a severe shortage of senior officials, a situation further exacerbated by the February 2026 deployment of 30 senior officers for election duties in other states.
With a high number of officers on central deputation and several vacancies across the IAS, IPS, and IFS cadres, the state is witnessing a “governance strain” where the remaining officials are frequently burdened with multiple additional charges.
The Numbers: A Look at the Shortfall
The vacancy gap spans all three major All India Services, impacting everything from law enforcement to environmental regulation.
Central Deputation: 21 senior IAS officers are currently serving the Union Government in Delhi, including high-profile names like Gaurav Dwivedi (CEO, Prasar Bharati) and Amit Agarwal (CEO, UIDAI).
The “Observer” Drain: The Election Commission has recently pulled 25 IAS and 5 IPS officers to serve as General, Police, and Expenditure Observers for the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.
Impact on State Governance
The shortage has led to a ripple effect across various government departments:
Additional Charges: Senior secretaries are now managing up to 3–4 departments simultaneously, leading to delays in policy execution and routine administrative clearances.
District Administration: Many districts are operating with minimal senior oversight as collectors and SPs are called away for national duties.
Forest & Wildlife: With 35 IFS vacancies, Chhattisgarh—a state with nearly 44% forest cover—is struggling with wildlife protection and the implementation of conservation policies.
Key Officers on Deputation (Partial List)
The absence of these experienced leaders has left a noticeable void in the state’s top-tier decision-making:
Dr. Priyanka Shukla & Harish S: Recently proceeded on central deputation.
Siddharth Komal Pardeshi & Ritu Sen: Among the senior IAS currently serving as Poll Observers.
Maninder Kaur Dwivedi & Amit Agarwal: Holding pivotal roles in Agriculture and Digital Identity at the Centre.
